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// Popular Queries

About Our Equestrian Fibres and Surfaces Services

How soon should I start grading my surface once it’s been laid
Different types of riding surface will require a different level of care and maintenance schedule, but it’s important to remember that all types of surfaces require a regular maintenance routine. We advise getting to grips with your maintenance schedule as early as you can once your surface has been laid, as this is the best way to protect your investment and ensure its longevity.
Operating a daily maintenance programme in the first few months will allow you to become familiar with your surface and how it is affected by different weather conditions. It will also allow you to learn the impact of horses’ hooves on your surface, and to monitor areas that are prone to heavier footfall and therefore more wear, such as the entrances, tracks, and the centre line.
How often should I grade my surface?
If your surface experiences heavier footfall, it’s a good idea to carry out a more thorough maintenance routine on a weekly basis, in addition to your daily grooming routine. Once a week, you should seek to target the areas of the arena which experience the most footfall, as well as addressing any compaction issues that may be arising in the corners of the arena, and at the edges by the railings.
If you’re using your arena for jumping, be sure to regularly move the jumps around to prevent the surface from becoming too compacted at the spots where the horses push off and land, and be sure to grade these areas too to maintain the consistency and condition of the surface.
Why is irrigation important?
When it comes to creating and maintaining the perfect riding surface, irrigation definitely plays a key part, especially if you have a non-waxed surface in place. Ensuring your surface is regularly irrigated will not only help to keep it dust-free, but it will also keep the materials of the surface bound together, which in turn produces a stable surface for increased grip and support.
How often should I add water to my surface?
The irrigation requirement of your surface will depend on a number of different factors, including:
• How often your surface is used
• Whether you have a waxed or a non-waxed surface in place
• Whether your arena is indoors or outdoors
• How much moisture there is naturally in your area (i.e. humidity, rainfall, etc.)
Generally speaking, outdoor surfaces require less irrigation than indoor surfaces, and waxed surfaces require less irrigation than non-waxed surfaces. If you have any questions or concerns about your maintenance or irrigation routine, please give us a call– we will be more than happy to help!
What will happen if my surface is not irrigated regularly?
The main issue that can arise if your surface becomes too dry is that the binding between fibres and the sand will weaken, and you’ll start to see the two components separate, usually with the fibres sitting on top and the sand forming a compact layer underneath. The key thing to remember in this situation is not to panic – it is fixable! Should such a problem arise, all you need to do is add water to your surface and grade it thoroughly. This should loosen up those core components and allow them to bind together again, bringing your surface back to life!
How can I keep my surface performing well in winter months?

Regular grading will help to prevent your surface from becoming too compacted, and will ensure high levels of shock absorption, support and energy return are retained even in the coldest months. You will want to keep your surface light, open and even in order to provide a steady and supportive footing for your horse.

In winter months, when there is naturally more moisture in the air and more regular rainfall, you should try to grade your surface slightly deeper than usual. This will help to drain any excess moisture out of your surface and leave it less susceptible to freezing.

Grooming patterns & top tips

Changing the direction of travel when grading, or changing the grooming pattern entirely, is important to do on a regular basis, as this will ensure the sand and fibres are regularly turned over whilst also helping you to work out those difficult spots where the surface tends to become more compact with heavier use.

Top tip: Remember to keep your speed as constant as possible whilst grading. This will help to ensure that all areas of your arena receive the same attention, therefore improving surface consistency throughout.

Do I need planning permission for an outdoor riding arena?

In short, yes. If your intention is to build an outdoor riding arena, you will need to make a planning application before you’re able to break ground on your project. The same can be said for indoor riding arenas. You’ll also need to be clear about the construction of new access routes, if this is something you’re likely to require.

Planning permissions and their accompanying fees can throw off the schedule and budget of your project if they’re not accounted for in the earliest stages. Be sure to gather the details on your council’s planning laws so that an appropriate amount of time and money can be assigned to acquiring the necessary permissions, and the designs can be drafted to avoid running into any complications before the build is underway.

What size should my riding arena be?

The size of your arena will be determined by what you intend to use it for. As a general guide, novice dressage arenas are usually around 40m x 20m, whilst advanced dressage arenas are built slightly larger – around 60m x 20m – and show jumping arenas usually measure around 60m x 35m. Do remember to take into account any extra area required around the perimeter of your arena for fencing when you’re doing your calculations and selecting your site.

Our advice would be to go for the largest arena that your budget will allow, without you having to compromise on the quality of the materials or construction teams used for the project. This will allow you to avoid constantly riding the boards and will mean less wear on the surface overall, as you’ll be able to ride less intensively across a larger surface area.